Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma - asbestos-related lung cancer

2011-04-25T14:18:00.000+08:00

Mesothelioma is a cancer in the lining or lungs, stomach or heart. These plates of thin layers of tissue covering the body.

Pleural tissue covering the lungs and chest wall cavity which cushions and protects the lungs. Peritoneum lines the abdominal wall and surrounds most organs in the abdominal cavity. Pericardial tissue surrounding the heart.

Mesothelioma is a rare but very serious cancer. There are three types of mesothelioma, depending on the types of cancer cells. The most common type is epithelioid and consists of 50-70% of the total number of cases and has a better prognosis. The second type is called sarcomatoid, consists of 10-20% of mesothelioma cases and more unpredictable in nature. The third type of mesothelioma is called biphasic, a combination of the other two types and consists of 20-35% of all cases.

There are an estimated 2000-3000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States each year. Most of these cases begin in the chest wall (pleural mesothelioma), a few start in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and very rare cases, starting with the lining surrounding the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

Pleural mesothelial cells with a thin layer. There are two pleura in the chest, the parietal pleura and visceral pleura. Parietal pleura lines the chest wall including the inside of the ribs, diaphragm and pericardium. Visceral pleura covers the lungs and filters fluid from the breast. If the pleura becomes diseases it is not effective at eliminating fluid from the breast as a result of pleural effusion or too much fluid in the chest.

Mesothelioma is usually a result of exposure to asbestos. Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have jobs where they breathed asbestos fibers. This can take up to 60 years after exposure to asbestos to develop mesothelioma.

Although rare, mesothelioma is a serious form of cancer that is often in its advanced stage when diagnosed. In general, the prognosis for mesothelioma patient is poor, however, some patients live with this disease for a long time. As mentioned earlier, the type of mesothelioma affects the prognosis, as well as patient's age, how much tumor has developed and if treatment is rendered. There are many variables in the evaluation of mesothelioma, this is only the patients doctor can determine the best treatment and possible prognosis on an individual basis.

Mesothelioma

2011-04-22T20:20:00.000+08:00

Tragically the word mesothelioma is becoming more and more known, the mere mention of it striking fear into all of us, because we know that this is associated with death. Asbestos is the reaper, mesothelioma its hand maiden.

Asbestos, amazing works of the fifties is now recognized as an enemy of the twentieth century. A ruthless enemy that will kill more people than war. Men, women and children are victims of its prey, innocents who at some time in their lives inhaling asbestos dust.

Most of us have been in contact with products containing asbestos in our life time. We sat in asbestos class rooms, stood beside our fathers as they cut asbestos fencing, pulled up old linoleum with asbestos clogged to the back. Visiting the local tip where broken sheets of it lay open to the wind.

Records show that a large number of people suffering from asbestosis and mesothelioma, which are directly working in asbestos mines, shipyards and companies making products from asbestos, but there are a large number of people affected, who have never worked in these industries. Their contact with asbestos from the dust brought home on clothing, or her husband from asbestos tailings placed around mine houses and town perimeters. But the tragedy does not end there, children innocently playing in their backyards playing amongst the asbestos tailings as children elsewhere play in the sand. They had no way of knowing that their sand is white asbestos. A good bath at the end of the day can be removed by the dust from the skin surface, but dust in the lungs and left to lie dormant for many years before claiming its deadly legacy.

Without warning, a healthy individual suddenly becomes short of breath, x-rays reveal fluid on the lungs and the night mare begins. Questions are asked and answered, yes, I was exposed to asbestos dust, but I was only in town for a few months, and it was more than 40 years ago. How can this be? This is the most perplexing thing about mesothelioma. Why is there such a long period of time between inhalation of asbestos dust and the onset of the disease? What causes a strong healthy body to suddenly succumb to it? What can we do to prevent this from happening?

Blood tests are now available for the determination of mesothelioma is present in the body before the person is aware of any symptoms. This is an amazing breakthrough and perhaps the first step in treating the disease before it becomes terminal. Recently mesothelioma was cured in mice and attempts to return it with the mouse were unsuccessful. This, too, exciting stuff and holds a glimmer of hope for us all.

I have witnessed firsthand the devastation of mesothelioma. My husband was strong and virile man who rarely been sick day in his life. Suddenly, the age of 52 he began to choke and was subsequently diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. He lived in the town of Wittenoom asbestos mining in Western Australia for several months at the age of seven years. Asbestos dust he inhaled then, took forty-five years to become fatal. I still find this hard to believe.Despite the forecast of three to nine months, Brian survived for two years. He was 54 years old when he died.

Lorraine Kember is the author of Lean On Me: The eyes of cancer through home care, powerfully moving and inspirational true story of the courageous battle with mesothelioma husband and her emotional journey as she cares about him. This touching book includes helpful information on topics such as: management of cancer pain, symptom control, and cope with their grief. Diary excerpts and poems Lorraine wrote along the way are interspersed throughout this book and further depict the depth of their love for each other, a sense of helplessness she experienced on his diagnosis and her growing strength as she begins to realize that much she can do to improve their quality of life. This book was highly recommended by the Cancer Council, as well as many other organizations and doctors. To learn more about this book or order it online, please visit her websitehttp://www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com

Mesothelioma Information Help Place

2011-04-21T16:30:00.000+08:00

Mesothelioma Information Help Depending on the stage of disease, the most common treatments are surgical removal of affected tissues, chemotherapy, or radiation. There is some concern that research into mesothelioma will be minimal, since, according to forecasts, will be short-lived disease in terms of new cases after the next 30 years.
However, new research has consistently providing physicians with alternate forms of treatment, and there are many intense studies into control and treatment of diseases, so those diagnosed with mesothelioma have a lot of options and big hopes. Photodynamic therapy is a new approach to treating mesothelioma cancer and is based on using light to kill cancer cells. In photodynamic therapy, the drug is administered intravenously first, that the purpose and makes cancer cells more sensitive to the number of days. The drug is easily eliminated by normal cells, ensuring that they will not be harmed when light therapy. After the cells have received the proper time of the impact of drugs, a special frequency of light laser beams are directed at the mesothelioma cancer with the aim to eradicate it from the body without the use of more invasive methods. Although there are isolated cases of eye sensitivity and nausea and / or vomiting, the main side effect of photodynamic therapy of skin sensitivity after the procedure. For more information on photodynamic therapy can be found on the new website, Mesothelioma Help) The Web site contains several informative articles, including a primer on emerging treatments for mesothelioma.
The website was a joint product of Meso Marketing and Meso Corp. said editor Jimmy Atk, "We wanted to make a site that can really help those coping with mesothelioma, and not just another 'AO # 1 Spam' site. It's a hard thing to face, and it's sad to see ambulance-hunters dominating the field. We aim to change that with Mesothelioma Information. "Meso Marketing is a privately held company based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, California. For more information. Visit the Meso Corp. Visit Mesothelioma Help David Williams, editor http://www.my-mesothelioma-asbestos.com http://www.your-structured-settlement.com http://www.my-mesothelioma-cancer. COM

2011-04-19T08:28:00.002+08:00

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer affecting the mesothelium, which is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. In most cases, it begins in the pleura (the lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen). The cancer is typically caused by asbestos exposure. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 to 80 percent of all cases of the disease. Standard treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Mesothelioma Cancer

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the mesothelium, which is a membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura (lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen).

Benign mesothelioma can also be called a fibroma, and cancerous mesothelioma is also known as malignant mesothelioma. A mesothelioma can further be named based on where it occurs. For example, malignant pleural mesothelioma is cancer that begins in the lining around the lungs.

Most people who develop malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. A benign mesothelioma does not appear to have any relationship to asbestos exposure.

Understanding the Mesothelium

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: one layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity, while the pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis, and the tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

Risk Factors for Mesothelioma

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing lung cancer (see Causes of Lung Cancer).

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s; its use greatly increased during World War II. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust.

If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were unknown. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among:

Shipyard workers
People who work in asbestos mines and mills
Producers of asbestos products
Workers in the heating and construction industries
Other tradespeople.

Today, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

For more about mesothelioma symptoms, click on the full eMedTV article aboutMesothelioma Symptoms.

To find out more about making a mesothelioma diagnosis, click on the full eMedTV article about Mesothelioma Diagnosis.

How Is It Treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on:

The location of the cancer
The stage of the disease
The patient's age and general health.

Standard mesothelioma treatment options include:

Surgery
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy.

Sometimes, all three treatment methods are combined.

(Click Mesothelioma Treatment for more information.)

Statistics on Mesothelioma

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but mesothelioma can appear in either men or women at any age.

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UK employer exposes workers to asbestos

2011-04-18T03:50:00.000+08:00

« Possible asbestos exposure this Christmas Workers exposed to asbestos at a UK university »

Two UK employees were recently exposed to workplace asbestos hazards after their employer, Mitchells and Butlers, mishandled work orders. Following a survey done by Mitchells and Butlers to locate asbestos risks, workers proceeded with instructions for repairs in a closed pub. The White Horse pub in Darlington was being refurbished to reopen.

When drilling began in the ceiling dust and debris fell onto the faces of the workers. After investigation by a Health and Safety Executive, the tiles were qualified as containing asbestos. Asbestos fibers cause severe respiratory conditions including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma cancer.

Although the survey had been done appropriately prior to start of the job, additional work was added to the order without another survey. Workers thought they were following safe instructions.

One worker, Jonathan Cook, said,

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Workers exposed to asbestos at a UK university

2011-04-18T03:35:00.000+08:00

« UK employer exposes workers to asbestos New neighborhood planned on asbestos waste site »

UK Health and Safety Executives investigated another asbestos exposure incident, this one at Aston University in Birmingham. The school recently hired Access Fire and Security Ltd. to install cameras in their recreational center’s reception area. Two workers and a teenage trainee were assigned the job. Once work began, two members of the crew were exposed to asbestos when they began drilling to mount new security cameras.

Asbestos is present in countless building materials worldwide and in the UK, though in the latter concern is specific to materials manufactured and installed before 2000. Floor and ceiling tiles are common residential and commercial building materials containing asbestos. Roofing tiles, plumbing gaskets and insulation are among the many other items containing the toxic chemical.

Asbestos is the cause of many lung and respiratory illness including the rare and fatal cancer mesothelioma. Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can begin a mutation process in the cells on lung lining which develops into an irregularly patterned cancer. Mesothelioma takes decades to demonstrate recognizable symptoms and is often misdiagnosed as pneumonia.

There are no known curative mesothelioma treatments and prognosis is grim. Average life expectancy following diagnosis is eighteen months. Many mesothelioma patients are moving to palliative treatment regimens to manage pain and quality of life.

Health and Safety Executive inspector, Karl Raw, responded to the Aston University investigation. “While the amount of asbestos involved in this incident was small, two people now have to live with the knowledge that they may become ill from lung disease in the future,

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New neighborhood planned on asbestos waste site

2011-04-18T03:20:00.000+08:00

« Workers exposed to asbestos at a UK university Researchers report aspects of mesothelioma survival rates »

Developers in Australia’s Molonglo valley have come to a sudden halt in plans for a new suburban neighborhood. Excavating was stopped when an old landfill was found on the site. Possibly 100,000 tons of asbestos waste material have been dumped and covered under the ground.

Administrators in the development project are now considering options for proceeding. Safety for workers and potential residents is a priority. Asbestos dust and fibers cause severe respiratory illnesses including mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer with no known curative treatment.

Budget and government funding plays a big part in the decision as well. David Dawes of Land and Property Service wants to find a solution that will not require relocating the entire project, or the waste, to a new location. He said,

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Researchers report aspects of mesothelioma survival rates

2011-04-18T03:05:00.000+08:00

« New neighborhood planned on asbestos waste site Mesothelioma treatments may benefit from new research »

On November 5, 2010, the Journal of Thoracic Oncology reported a study done by University of Rochester researchers looking for significant factors associated with longer life expectancy of mesothelioma patients. Spanning decades of case studies, researchers found several factors associated with life expectancy and survival rates of mesothelioma victims.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer with no known cure. Aggressive mesothelioma treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and rehabilitative therapies. A combination of treatments is typical for mesothelioma cases. However, many mesothelioma patients choose palliative treatments rather than fighting the cancer directly. Palliative care focuses on pain management and quality of life.

Mesothelioma cancer is specific to the lining of lungs and other abdominal cavities. Most typically associated with the toxic chemical asbestos, mesothelioma can begin to develop after asbestos fibers are inhaled. These fibers begin a mutation process which results in growth and spread of irregularly patterned tumors.

Development times for mesothelioma are characteristically long. Often patients do not demonstrate signs or symptoms until decades after exposure to asbestos. Many mesothelioma patients have no idea they were exposed to the toxic fibers until they have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and the symptoms are easily assumed to be that of pneumonia or other treatable respiratory illnesses. These factors make mesothelioma difficult to detect early.

The study by University of Rochester looked at 9,701 mesothelioma cases diagnosed between 1973 and 2006. Results proved survival rates dropped drastically as time extended from original diagnosis. Survival rates were 55% after six months, 33% after one year and 5% after five years.

Factors proving positive in patient survival were varied. Female patients and patients in younger years had longer life expectancies. Tumor grade and histology also played a part in survival rates with lower tumor grade and epithelioid histology (a more common structure of mesothelioma cells) being associated with higher survival rates. Cancer-direct surgery and radiotherapies also proved to have greater impact on patient’s potential for longer life.

The Department of Radiation Oncology at James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at University of Rochester is one of the nation’s leading research institutes in cancer and radiation technology. Their mission

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Mesothelioma treatments may benefit from new research

2011-04-18T02:50:00.000+08:00

« Researchers report aspects of mesothelioma survival rates Japan continues to experience high mesothelioma losses »

New cancer research may prove helpful in the fight against mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost solely by toxic asbestos fibers. These fibers, once inhaled, can start a mutation process in cells of lung and abdominal cavity lining. Mesothelioma can take decades to demonstrate symptoms making it hard to detect. Once it has been diagnosed, typical prognoses include an average life expectancy of eighteen months.

Although many mesothelioma patients are choosing palliative care, which focuses on pain management and bettering quality of life, there are many aggressive mesothelioma treatments available. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and rehabilitative therapies are typically administered in a mesothelioma case. However, mesothelioma has proved somewhat chemotherapy resistant and continues to be considered incurable.

As part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, grants have been distributed to further cancer research. Agios Pharmaceuticals, a recipient of such a grant through the Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project Program (QTDP), has been studying cancer metabolism. Following an exciting discovery of a connection between slowed growth in lung cancer cells and the diabetic drug metformin, cancer metabolism testing is proving positive.

With $488,000 in funding from QTDP, Agios Pharmaceuticals is one of the leading groups in metabolism research. Chief executive David Schenkein said,

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Japan continues to experience high mesothelioma losses

2011-04-18T02:35:00.000+08:00

« Mesothelioma treatments may benefit from new research Asbestos exposure in pre-school »

An estimated three thousand Americans die every year from the rare cancer mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is caused almost solely by asbestos and although there are many mesothelioma treatments available, there is no known cure. These cases are mostly associated with workplace asbestos exposure, particularly in such manufacturing industries as shipbuilding and munitions.

Although American mesothelioma case numbers may be on a slow rise, they are no match for the mesothelioma toll in Japan. It is thought that 100,000 Japanese will die from mesothelioma by 2040. This has much to do with the nation’s heavy use of asbestos following WWII and in decades since. In 1974 alone 350,000 metric tons of asbestos was imported by Japan for use in industry and building projects. Asbestos is said to be the foundation on which Japan rebuilt its nation following the war. Slow implementation of national asbestos health regulations has added to Japanese mesothelioma case numbers.

Hidenari Hane is one man who knows what this can mean. Recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, Hane was exposed to asbestos during his employment at a Honda facility. A former mechanic at Honda, Hane was regularly exposed to asbestos from April 1968 to December 1969, which is believed to be the cause of his mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is characterized by irregularly patterned tumors on the lung lining and lining of the abdominal cavities. It can be difficult to diagnose, often being mistaken for pneumonia. Many patients do not know to look for mesothelioma because they have no idea they were ever exposed to asbestos and have no cause for concern. Following diagnosis, life expectancy ranges from six months to several years.

A Tokyo court ruled in favor of Hane in a suit against Honda, awarding him 54 million yen. Ruling Judge Koichiro Matsumoto is holding Honda accountable for not having safety precautions implemented during the 1960’s. He said,

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Asbestos exposure in pre-school

2011-04-18T02:20:00.000+08:00

« Japan continues to experience high mesothelioma losses Asbestos clean up continues in US schools »

Australia continues to face rising mesothelioma cases as past asbestos use is now taking its toll. A Queensland woman wishing to remain unnamed has been diagnosed with mesothelioma decades after her exposure to asbestos in a State pre-school.

Shailer Park State Pre-school was in prime condition in the early 1980’s. However after a quick double in class size administrators moved forward with an expansion of the facility. Regular classes were kept while construction was done. It is during this time that the unnamed woman, working as a pre-school teacher’s aid, was exposed to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos is known to cause several severe respiratory conditions including lung cancer, asbestosis, and the rare cancer mesothelioma from which this lady is now suffering. Mesothelioma begins when asbestos fibers are inhaled. Once in the lungs, they can start a mutation in cells of lung lining and lining of other abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is characterized by irregularly patterned tumors which remain latent for years, most often twenty to fifty years. When symptoms are demonstrated mesothelioma can be easily mistaken for pneumonia or other treatable respiratory conditions.

There are mesothelioma treatments available which include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and palliative care. Palliative care focuses on pain management and quality of life without directly fighting the cancer. Life expectancy of mesothelioma patients following diagnosis averages eighteen months.

A worker’s comp claim was filed on behalf of those present and involved in Shailer Park State Pre-school construction. Hoping for additional evidence in the event of a class action lawsuit, the firm on the case asked people involved to register with their online database. Trent Johnson, associate at Maurice Blackurn Lawyers said additional evidence would make future claims go smoother. He said,

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Asbestos clean up continues in US schools

2011-04-18T02:05:00.000+08:00

« Asbestos exposure in pre-school Mesothelioma threat through national fiber-optic initiative »

As the US realizes its error of long asbestos use and attempts to correct the problems now rampant across the country, reminders consistently pop up to clarify the daunting height of such a task. Ridding the nation of just one toxic chemical could take exponentially longer than it took to spread it through homes, buildings and machinery across the country.

Smith Middle School of Chillicothe City Schools in Ohio is one such reminder. The schools facilities were closed in 2007 following the opening of a new school. Administrators are now considering all possibilities for the property’s future. Regardless of whether the school is rebuilt, sold, or razed, however, aged asbestos materials used in its original construction and remodels over the years must be removed.

Asbestos poses no threat if contained inside secure components. As an example among countless other things, many floor and ceiling tiles manufactured and installed in the US have been made with asbestos. As long as the tiles stay intact and undamaged, there is no safety or health risk. However, over time such materials begin to wear out, allowing the asbestos fibers to become airborne. This is particularly so in municipal buildings like schools where high traffic is an almost daily reality.

Smith middle School was built in 1931, well before asbestos health risks were known. It was not until the 1980’s that the US began to regulate use and removal of asbestos. The Environmental Protection Agency now outlines responsibilities regarding asbestos use in its Clean Air Act. Regulations are showing up around the world as asbestos proves its harmfulness again and again. The World Health Organization includes asbestos on its Type 1 carcinogen list along with arsenic.

Asbestos causes several respiratory conditions including asbestosis, lung cancer and the rare cancer mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most associated with asbestos as its almost exclusive cause. Inhaled asbestos fibers can begin a mutation in lung lining cells that grow into characteristically irregularly patterned malignant tumors of mesothelioma. There are mesothelioma treatments available

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Mesothelioma threat through national fiber-optic initiative

2011-04-18T01:50:00.000+08:00

« Asbestos clean up continues in US schools Mesothelioma diagnosis prompts advocating for others »

Asbestos has put another stop to Australian advances. The National Broadband Network (NBN), a government owned company, has had to halt their progress towards a nationwide fiber installation due to the presence of asbestos. With a massive plan to include 93% of the nation, NBN set about connecting the country through fiber-optic technology. Only 7% would be left with other forms of internet and digital connectivity.

The plan included use of existing telegraph poles and underground conduits. About 25% of the new fiber would be hung from poles while the large majority would be buried in an existing underground infrastructure of ditches. However, asbestos was found to be present in the cement and building materials of included ditches and conduits.

Switching its primary focus from technology to safety, NBN administrators are now considering the best way to move forward. Exposing asbestos would threaten safety and health for workers and the public. Asbestos is known to cause severe respiratory conditions. Rare cancer mesothelioma is most associated with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is characterized by malignant tumors in the lung ling and lining of other abdominal cavities. There are available mesothelioma treatments, but no known cure.

Costs associates with asbestos removal are high. Trained professionals with appropriate protective gear must test all potentially dangerous materials and them remove it without exposing the fibers. In this case, complexity had been added by trouble differentiating between asbestos and non-asbestos cement.

NBN spokeswoman Rhonda Griffin sounds optimistic. She said the “

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Mesothelioma diagnosis prompts advocating for others

2011-04-18T01:35:00.000+08:00

« Mesothelioma threat through national fiber-optic initiative Asbestos illegally dumped in Toledo »

About three thousand Americans suffer from mesothelioma each year. A rare cancer, mesothelioma is characterized by a long latency period and a short life expectancy. It can take decades for mesothelioma to demonstrate symptoms in patients, but following diagnosis average patient life expectancy is eighteen months.

There are mesothelioma treatments available, which directly fight the cancer. These include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Many patients are also turning to palliative care to manage the pain and quality of life for the time they have left.

Following a diagnosis of mesothelioma at age 54, one man is facing the realities of his case with unexpected selflessness. Richard Mosca decided that his time would be spent advocating for others suffering from mesothelioma and similar illnesses. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation nominated Mosca to evaluate potential research projects.

Now, Mosca works with other patients, survivors and family members of those affected by military related illnesses and injuries on the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP). The PRMRP is made possible through Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs of the Department of Defense (DoD). The DoD’s vision to

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Asbestos illegally dumped in Toledo

2011-04-18T01:20:00.000+08:00

« Mesothelioma diagnosis prompts advocating for others New drug may be added to the fight against mesothelioma »

The city of Toledo, Ohio is searching for the culprits of illegal asbestos dumping. Over the last two months three separate deposits of bagged asbestos material have been found throughout the city. Materials in the bags seem to be related, although there is no certainty as of yet that they came from the same source.

The World Health Organization classifies asbestos as a Type 1 carcinogen. Causing severe respiratory conditions including lung cancer, asbestosis and rare cancer mesothelioma, asbestos is a serious public health hazard. Used for decades in industries throughout America, and across the world, asbestos is present in countless building and structural materials.

Considered non-threatening when contained in other materials, asbestos fibers become a risk when airborne. In residential construction asbestos is commonly associated with floor and ceiling tiles. If intact, risks of asbestos exposure from such items are low. However, after much wear and tear, or in the event of demolition, asbestos fibers can become exposed, airborne and dangerous.

If inhaled asbestos fibers can begin a mutation in lung lining and lining of other abdominal cavities. This mutation grows into mesothelioma, a fatal cancer. Mesothelioma is characterized by a long latency period, between twenty and fifty years. Without knowledge of asbestos exposure, patients have no idea they could be developing mesothelioma. Following diagnosis patents average an eighteen-month life expectancy. There are mesothelioma treatments available, but no cure. Treatments include palliative care, which focuses on pain management and enhancing quality of life, as well as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

City of Toledo authorities found over 100 cubic feet of asbestos material dumped at two locations. A total of sixty bags were found in an alley on St. Lois Street in East Toledo and in an empty house in North Toledo. Just in the last two weeks another 29 bags were found on Champlain Street.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) takes asbestos exposure seriously as a health risk. In its Clean Air Act, the EPA describes guidelines for maintaining and promoting air quality, which includes proper use and removal of asbestos. In accordance with these regulations, Ohio contractors are required to have certifications and special licensure to remove asbestos. An Ohio EPA air pollution control permit is also required for proper disposal of asbestos materials in approved landfills. High costs can be associated with such work; cut corners and fraudulent reporting have become a more regular occurrence nationwide.

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New drug may be added to the fight against mesothelioma

2011-04-18T01:05:00.000+08:00

« Asbestos illegally dumped in Toledo Reading Roadrunners of England run for mesothelioma »

The medical journal Cancer, Chemotherapy and Pharmacology has published a report of Japanese researchers testing new drug, S-1, for possible use against pleural mesothelioma. Although it is a rare cancer, mesothelioma has no cure and is estimated to cause fifteen to twenty thousand deaths each year around the world.

Mesothelioma is caused by toxic chemical asbestos, which continues to be used around the world in building and construction. Many countries, including the US have all but discontinued asbestos use and enforce strict regulations pertaining to its use and removal.

With a typical latency period ranging from twenty to fifty years, mesothelioma cases will continue to rise until asbestos use has been totally discontinued for decades. The World Health Organization estimates an approaching ninety-thousand mesothelioma cases annually if asbestos use patterns are not drastically changed. With no known mesothelioma cure, new treatments are welcomed by mesothelioma victims and their families.

S-1 is an anti-tumor drug used on gastric cancer in Japan, Korea, China and other Asian countries. Although is it currently not available for use in the US, S-1 has been recommended for approval to treat gastric cancer in Europe. Developed by Taiho Pharmaceutical Company, S-1 is known by its brand name Teysuno.

Current mesothelioma treatments consist of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and palliative treatments for patients choosing to focus on quality of life rather than cancer-direct treatments. Mesothelioma is often diagnosed quite late in its development; life expectancy following diagnosis is short, ranging from six months to five years. Mesothelioma is characterized by irregularly patterned tumors throughout the lung lining and lining of other abdominal cavities. Pleural mesothelioma is specifically the cancer in lung lining, while peritoneal mesothelioma refers to the same cancer affecting linings of other abdominal cavities. Although both are rare cancers, pleural mesothelioma is the more common of the two.

S-1 was developed to prevent cancer tumor growth as well as to support another anti-cancer medication, 5-FU. In the study of S-1, lab mice received mesothelioma cells in their chest cavities, which were allowed to develop for quite some time before test treatments. This wait was to simulate the typical late stage at which human mesothelioma patients began treatments. It was reported that the mice responded well to S-1, which reduced their cancer growth and prolonged their survival times.

Researchers of the study concluded that S-1 is promising as a possible good drug to use against pleural mesothelioma.

This entry was postedon Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 at 9:30 AMand is filed under General, News, Treatments.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

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Reading Roadrunners of England run for mesothelioma

2011-04-18T00:50:00.000+08:00

« New drug may be added to the fight against mesothelioma Mesothelioma relapse patients may benefit from pemetrexed-based treatment »

Steve Lee of England has been running five miles three times a week for the past twenty-five years. Once running for his health and own enjoyment, he has now turned his running into a way to help others.

Lee was diagnosed with the rare cancer mesothelioma in 2007. His doctors said he would live for six months. With news that alters everything routine, Lee continued his five-mile runs, but with a new focus. With the help and support of his running group, Reading Roadrunners of England, Lee has used his unchanging routine to help thousands of others facing the same grim news. The Reading Roadrunners of England has raised sixty-two thousand dollars for mesothelioma research. The funds have been given to Queen Mary, University of London, and have been matched by the university.

Donations made through Lee’s running group will aid in a project to synthetically produce and test a naturally occurring compound which has shown to kill mesothelioma cells. Following a recent visit to Queen Mary lab, Lee said,

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Mesothelioma relapse patients may benefit from pemetrexed-based treatment

2011-04-18T00:35:00.000+08:00

« Reading Roadrunners of England run for mesothelioma Asbestos miners in India demand results of recent study »

Italian researchers are testing pemetrexed-based drugs as a second-line treatment option for mesothelioma relapse. Pemetrexed inhibits cellular formation of DNA and RNA, which cells need to survive and to grow. A study published in medical journal, Lung Cancer, covered study details.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of lung lining and lining of other abdominal cavities. It is caused almost exclusively by asbestos fibers, which, once inhaled, can begin a mutation process leading to growth of irregular malignant tumors. Mesothelioma affects a rising fifteen to twenty thousand people worldwide; it is believed that thousands of additional cases go unreported, particularly in developing countries where asbestos use high and minimally regulated.

Mesothelioma is characterized by a long latency period, between twenty and fifty years. When symptoms demonstrate they include coughing, wheezing and signs reflective of a respiratory infection. Mesothelioma treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care. There is no known cure for mesothelioma.

In the Italian study, researchers specifically found that pemetrexed drugs benefited mesothelioma patients as a second-line treatment when the same patient had benefited from same-type first-line treatments.

Thirty-one patients who had received pemetrexed-based drugs for mesothelioma at least once before where administered the same drug for relapse occurrences between 2004 and 2009. All of these patients were 3 months or more beyond their last treatments. Fifteen received pemetrexed-based drugs alone, while 16 were treated with a combination of pemetrexed-based and the current standard platinum-based drugs.

Forty-eight percent of patients tested showed shrunken tumors or tumors that had stopped growing. A 10.5 month average progression-free survival time also followed for the 48% of patients responding well to treatments. This additional survival time was consistent for patients who had experienced an average of 12 months progression-free survival time following first-line same-type treatments. Patients that did not experience as much as 12 months progression-free survival time after first-line treatments averaged only 2.5 months following second-line same-type treatments.

A Japanese study published in the International Journal of Clinical Oncology reported similar findings. Patients who responded well to pemetrexed-based drugs as a first-line treatment benefited from the same type second-line treatments.

Study authors concluded, however, that more research is necessary to better decide how to treat relapse in mesothelioma cases.

This entry was postedon Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 at 8:14 AMand is filed under General, Treatments.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

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Asbestos miners in India demand results of recent study

2011-04-18T00:20:00.000+08:00

« Mesothelioma relapse patients may benefit from pemetrexed-based treatment Woman faces 230 years for asbestos related fraud »

On January 4, in Ahmedabad, India, thirty members of Rajasthan State Mine Labour Union protested at the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH). Protesters demanded release of a report covering the findings of a study conducted on asbestos miners. The study included one hundred sixty four mineworkers and the possible affects of asbestos mining on their health.

Asbestos is classified as a Type 1 carcinogen. It causes several fatal respiratory conditions including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos use has become highly regulated in many developed countries, as the safety and health hazards have become known. However, in developing nations, such as India, asbestos continues to be used regularly and without proper protective measures.

The US covers asbestos use in the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency’s code of conduct regarding the quality and maintenance of American air. Currently, asbestos lawsuits are piling up in America, the UK and Australia as individuals and companies violate public health regulations. However, throughout the world thousands are working with and around asbestos without the benefit of such regulations or even the safety education to take personal precautions.

Asbestos is considered to be the exclusive cause of rare cancer mesothelioma, a cancer affecting abdominal cavity lining, most commonly of the lungs. Airborne asbestos fibers can begin a mutative process if inhaled. Mesothelioma takes decades to develop

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Woman faces 230 years for asbestos related fraud

2011-04-18T00:05:00.000+08:00

« Asbestos miners in India demand results of recent study Treasured helmet stolen from mesothelioma widow »

The US District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts branch, has aided in the discovery and conviction of an asbestos related criminal. Albania Deleon is now facing a potential 230 years of prison time. Deleon taught classes at Environmental Compliance Training, the largest asbestos removal training program in Massachusetts. It was found that between 2001 and 2006, the majority of Deleon’s students received less than adequate training before being placed in the work field. Worksheets and tests were provided to class participants with answers already filled in; students only needed to sign their names to be passed in the exercise.

Deleon also had a large number of illegal aliens in the program she taught, but failed to report these individuals to the proper authorities. Both illegal aliens and legal citizens who graduated from the program were paid under-the-table once they began work. Deleon used fraudulently prepared payroll documents to cover the financial illegalities.

The US requires specific training, licensing and certification for individuals and companies working with asbestos. The state-to-state requirements may vary, but all regulations are in line with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Act commitments to maintain and enhance the quality of air in America.

Asbestos has been used for decades in the US particularly in building and construction and some manufacturing industries. However, as associated health risks became known asbestos use has dropped and laws have been put in place to protect the public from the toxic chemical.

Asbestos causes severe respiratory conditions including lung cancer and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos fibers which, if inhaled, can began a mutation process in lung lining and lining of other abdominal cavities which leads to this cancer.

Mesothelioma takes decades to develop, demonstrating symptoms like that of pneumonia twenty to fifty years after original asbestos exposure. Life expectancy following diagnosis is grim, averaging eighteen months. There are mesothelioma treatments available, but no known cure.

Deleon was found guilty in November 2008, on a collective 27counts of conspiracy to make false documents, making false documents, hiring illegal aliens, encouraging illegal aliens to live in the US, payroll tax fraud and mail fraud. She fled the state following conviction but was found almost seven months later in Santa Domingo.

In a press release Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, said,

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Treasured helmet stolen from mesothelioma widow

2011-04-17T23:50:00.000+08:00

« Woman faces 230 years for asbestos related fraud Family faces flood damage, vandalism and asbestos exposure »

A Massachusetts mesothelioma widow recently suffered a painful theft following the loss of her husband. Mike Urban, a firefighter, died on January 7 after battling mesothelioma cancer. At his funeral, his firefighting helmet was presented to his widow who gave it to Urban’s nephew for safekeeping. In a snowstorm that followed the service, the nephew had to abandon his car with the helmet in it. The car was retrieved in better weather, but the helmet was gone.

The family was distraught. One firefighter said of the helmet, “It’s everything to us, it’s a symbol of what we are. A piece of it is missing from Mike now.

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Family faces flood damage, vandalism and asbestos exposure

2011-04-17T23:35:00.000+08:00

« Treasured helmet stolen from mesothelioma widow Mesothelioma victim unable to complete lawsuit »

An Australian woman has suffered vandalism following destruction in her home due to a flood. Kristen Brereton and her two young sons Lincoln and Blake are staying with relatives while their home undergoes repairs after flood damage. Before the insurance company could make final decisions on compensation amounts to complete the work, the house was vandalized.

Brereton’s home was broken into. Ceilings and walls had been beaten and torn apart with hammers and boots. Several boot prints were found on the premises. The police were called in to investigate.

Such press caught the attention of Workplace Heath and Safety (WHS) inspectors. Possible asbestos exposure had become a concern. WHO inspectors took six samples from Brereton’s home for testing. Results were positive

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Mesothelioma victim unable to complete lawsuit

2011-04-17T23:20:00.000+08:00

« Family faces flood damage, vandalism and asbestos exposure Mesothelioma concern follows twin cyclones and flooding »

Helen Wickings from Wallington, UK has died from mesothelioma in the midst of her suit against Inland Revenue tax offices. Mrs. Wickings, who was 65 when she died, had filed against offices in Croydon and Epsom believing her work at these locations exposed her to asbestos fibers.

Mrs. Wickings said the dusty archives at the Croydon location and the exposed pipes of the boiler room in Epsom were the sources of asbestos fibers that led to her case of mesothelioma. Her jobs required her to spend time in both places, filing in the archives of Croydon and reading meters in the Epsom boiler room.

Mrs. Wickings’s case had been postponed while her solicitors gathered additional evidence. It was Mrs. Wickings’s hope that compensation won in the case would provide for her disabled husband, Ernie, after she was gone.

Asbestos is thought to be the sole cause of rare cancer mesothelioma. Although safe if contained, airborne asbestos fibers pose a health threat if inhaled. Mesothelioma development can begin in the lung lining and lining of other abdominal cavities if asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs. This development takes twenty to fifty years to demonstrate symptoms often going unnoticed until then. When symptoms do begin they mimic those of bronchitis and pneumonia making diagnosis difficult.

Following diagnosis of mesothelioma, patient life expectancy is short, averaging eighteen months. Mesothelioma treatments are available and include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or palliative care. There is no known cure for mesothelioma.

Mrs. Wickings said of her condition,

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Mesothelioma concern follows twin cyclones and flooding

2011-04-17T23:05:00.000+08:00

« Mesothelioma victim unable to complete lawsuit Asbestos mine condemned internationally »

Queensland, Australia communities are cleaning up after a twin cyclone and flooding that has left the area greatly damaged. As neighbors pitch in to assist each other, the helping spirit is not all that is high. Health risks are on the rise as more and more people are exposed to the wreckage.

Barry Robson, president of Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia is greatly concerned for the health and safety of the well-meaning Queensland locals. He said, “It strikes terror into my heart, it really does. People are trying to do the right thing, that’s the problem.

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Asbestos mine condemned internationally

2011-04-17T22:50:00.000+08:00

« Mesothelioma concern follows twin cyclones and flooding More funding for mesothelioma research »

Quebec is once again taking flack from the international health community as a loan awaits approval to fund the reopening of asbestos producing Jeffrey Mine in the town of Asbestos. The fifty-eight million dollars from Quebec would employ four hundred people at Jeffrey Mine and keep the facility open for twenty-five years.

Thirty-six physicians and public health experts representing twenty-one countries have written a letter to Canada’s Premier Jean Charest condemning the mine and asking the loan to be denied. Philip Landrigan, dean of Global Health at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, said in the letter, “Chrysotile asbestos causes serious harm to health

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